Observing the Galactic Plane with the Cherenkov Telescope Array

TL;DR

The Cherenkov Telescope Array will significantly enhance gamma-ray observations of the Galactic plane, enabling detailed studies of high-energy sources and revealing many new supernova remnants and pulsar wind nebulae.

Contribution

This paper presents the first simulated Galactic plane scan with CTA, focusing on observation strategy and source confusion, advancing planning for high-energy astrophysics observations.

Findings

Simulated scan demonstrates CTA's potential to resolve numerous Galactic sources.

Analysis of source confusion highlights challenges in source identification.

Prospects for morphological studies of extended sources are promising.

Abstract

The Cherenkov Telescope Array is a next generation ground-based gamma-ray observatory de- signed to detect photons in the 20 GeV to 300 TeV energy range. With a sensitivity improvement of up to one order of magnitude on the entire energy range with respect to currently operating facilities, coupled with significantly better angular resolution, the array will be used to address many open questions in high-energy astrophysics. In addition, CTA will explore the ultra-high energy (E >50 TeV) window with great sensitivity for the first time. CTA is expected to reveal a detailed picture of the Galactic plane at the highest energies, and to discover around one hundred new supernova remnants and many hundreds of pulsar wind nebulae, according to current population estimates. The ability of the observatory to resolve such a large number of Galactic sources is one of the challenges to be faced. In this paper, we will present the first simulated scan of the Galactic plane with a realistic observation strategy, with particular attention to the potential source confusion. We will also present prospects for morphological studies of extended sources, such as the young SNR RX J1713.7-39.